Support is unconditional.
It is listening…
Not judging, not telling your own story.
Support is not offering advice…
It is offering a handkerchief, a touch, a hug…caring.
We are here to help women discover what they are feeling…
Not to make the feelings go away.
We are here to help a woman identify her options…
Not to tell her which options to choose.
We are here to discuss steps with a woman…
Not to take the steps for her.
We are here to help a woman discover her own strength…
Not to rescue her and leave her still vulnerable.
We are here to help a woman discover she can help herself…
Not to take that responsibility for her.
We are here to help a woman learn to choose…
Not to make it unnecessary for her to make difficult choices.
-Anonymous
DONA Birth Doula Workshop Manual Introduction to Labor Support what is support doc. 2006